| Abstract Scope |
There are a number of pathways to decarbonise metals production and recycling processes, such as the replacement of carbon-based fuels and reductants, the use of green electricity (electrons) for reducing minerals and compounds, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), and improvements in process efficiency through digitalisation, artificial intelligence and machine learning. This lecture focuses on the emerging role of alternative reductants in green metallisation and recycling processes. Particular attention is given to the use of metal reductants, hydrogen, hydrogen-plasma and ammonia. Recent progress and selected examples involving primary metal production and secondary resource recycling are presented. These include applications in the production of silicon, iron, Al/Mg-rare earth alloys, as well as treatment and valorisation of secondary resources such as end-of-life battery materials (blackmass), Cu/Pb/Zn slags, and steelmaking by-products. The lecture also highlights recent progress in the development of the SwinH2+ in-flight hydrogen-plasma reactor and pilot-scale flash reduction technology testing for hydrogen-based reduction of blackmass. |